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Sikhism in Malaysia


It is estimated that there are around 100,000 Sikhs in Malaysia.

Despite the popular belief that Sikhs were brought to the then Malaya as police and soldiers, historically it is proven that Sikhs were actually sent to Malaya as political prisoners. The first few Sikhs to set foot in Malaya were Nihal Singh (better known as Bhai Maharaj Singh) and Kharak Singh, who were thrown out of India due to anti-British involvement somewhere around 1800. These prisoners were sent to the Outram Road prison in what is now Singapore. In 1865, it is believed that the process of migration of Sikhs to Malaysia started again but this time involved recruitment in the armed forces in the British Empire mainly as police, military and guards.

There are a total of 119 gurdwaras throughout Malaysia. 42 of them are situated in the state of Perak, where the majority of Sikhs in Malaysia resides.

Most Sikhs started out as policemen, soldiers,planters big shot,guards and even businessmen. However, it is normal to see Sikhs working as professionals now for example, doctors, lawyers, dentists, teachers,etc. There is also a fair number of young Sikhs with tertiary education born in Malaysia now living in advanced Western countries such as USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.


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